Thoughts from a Yellow Dog Democrat living in Olympia, in the great BLUE state of Washington

I am a liberal because it is the political philosophy of freedom and equality. And I am a progressive because it is the political path to a better future. And I am a Democrat because it is the political party that believes in freedom, equality and progress.
-- Digby

Monday, January 23, 2006

Weekend Wrap Up

Here's the result of Republican leadership:

The New York Times on Sunday (1-22-06) reported that Iraq's most influential cleric vowed to use militias to protect Iran against foreign intervention. In the previous week Iraq's Foreign Minister began meeting with leaders in Iran in order to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The Iraqi Foreign Minister called for a closer Iran-Iraq relationship. Last week, Iran met with Iraq's electricity Minister Abd al-Muhsin Shalash to implement an agreement between the two countries to build nine electricity transfer plants. That means nuclear power. Add to the mix that Iran and Syria issued a joint statement at arabicnews.com this week reinforcing their close relationship and common goals. "You're either with us or against us" -- good job! You got them all against us and now they're going nuclear.

Forbes reported Friday (1-20-06) that there were an average of two kidnappings a day of Iraqis in Baghdad in January 2004 and 10 a day in December of that year. Last month, kidnappings of Iraqis averaged 30 a day nationwide. How does anyone participate in a society with 30 kidnappings a day?? You wouldn't dare send your kids to school, you wouldn't shop, work or be out on the streets. This is building a successful democracy and freeing people?!

Finally, yesterday the Washington Post reported that troops and civilians at a U.S. military base in Iraq were exposed to contaminated water last year and no one warned our troops despite those responsible knowing about the situation for over a year. The contaminated water was used for virtually everything including hand washing, laundry, bathing and making coffee. First no armour and now cantaminated water! They have absolutely NO respect for our troops.

Why are we putting up with this administration? The corruption, the torture, the wiretapping, the lying, the incompetence!